Flows out of Palisades Reservoir remain steady this week at 11,200 cfs. The reservoir is 93% capacity and filling up. Looking at area stream gauges it appears runoff has peaked in all major watersheds signaling a great dry fly season just around the corner. With a warm and dry spring so far this year I’m anticipating seeing hatches soon. Thanks to the Henry’s Fork Foundation and Dr. Rob Van Kirk we know that the hatches on the Henry’s Fork have been about 4-5 days earlier than average. If the same holds true for the South Fork that would mean we could see Salmon Flies, Sallies, Drakes etc. as early as today. I have fished Salmon Flies just above Menan on Father’s Day before.
Looking at the weather forecast I’d also predict that our hatches will be fast and furious this year with all of the above bugs hatching at the same time. On higher water years and/or years with cooler/wet weather the hatches seem to come off slower or more, one at a time. Be ready with all your bugs.
If you’re headed out this weekend the lower river is likely to have more action on nymphs with a chance of seeing some dry fly action. Any stretch above Byington will primarily be a nymph and streamer game like previous weekly fishing reports.
We’re close! Be safe, have fun and if we can help get you out on the water give us a call.
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